DA O’Malley Announces Settlement with Goop, Inc.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office, as a member of the California Food, Drug, and Medical Device Task Force, which is comprised of ten district attorneys' offices including Napa, Marin, Monterey, Orange, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, and Sonoma Counties, announced today a settlement in a consumer protection action against Goop, Inc. (“Goop”). Goop sells a variety of items on its website including vitamins and diet supplements, feminine care products, and wellness products.

The consumer protection complaint alleges that Goop made false and misleading representations regarding the effects or attributes of three products—the Jade Egg, Rose Quartz Egg, and Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend. According to the complaint, Goop advertised that the Jade and Rose Quartz eggs—egg-shaped stones designed to be inserted vaginally and left in for various lengths of time—as well as the Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend could balance hormones, prevent uterine prolapse, increase bladder control and prevent depression. The complaint also alleges that none of Goop’s claims regarding these products were supported by competent or reliable scientific evidence.

“False claims that assure consumers of specific health outcomes can put the public at risk. The Alameda County DA’s Office and the state’s Task Force are dedicated to ensuring that all are protected from false, unsubstantiated, and potentially harmful advertising,” states DA O’Malley.

Goop has offered to refund the full purchase price to any consumer who purchased the Jade Egg, Rose Quartz Egg, and/or Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend on or between January 12, 2017, and August 31, 2017, and who requests a refund. Requests for refunds can be made by emailing or calling Goop customer service at customerservice@goop.com or 1-844-WTF-GOOP.

The Judgment includes injunctive provisions prohibiting Goop from: (1) making any claims regarding the efficacy or effects of any of its products without possessing competent and reliable scientific evidence that substantiates the claims; and (2) manufacturing or selling any misbranded, unapproved, or falsely advertised medical devices.

Under the terms of the stipulated judgment, Goop agreed to pay $145,000 in civil penalties. Goop and its counsel worked cooperatively with prosecutors throughout investigation.